The Best Xbox One Games

The Xbox One, nearing its twelfth anniversary, remains a powerhouse despite the rise of its successor. While Microsoft focuses on Xbox Series X/S, publishers continue releasing fantastic titles for the older console. This curated list, compiled by the IGN team, showcases 25 of the best Xbox One games, representing the console's peak offerings. For more options, explore our list of free Xbox games.

Explore the Best of Xbox:

Best Xbox Series X|S Games
Best Xbox 360 Games

The Best Xbox One Games (Spring 2021 update)

25. Outer Wilds

Image credit: Annapurna Interactive

Developer: Mobius Entertainment | Publisher: Annapurna Interactive | Release Date: May 28, 2019 | Review: IGN's Outer Wilds review | Wiki: IGN's Outer Wilds Wiki

Outer Wilds, a sci-fi adventure, captivates with its open-ended exploration of a handcrafted solar system. The time loop mechanic adds tension to the serene exploration, constantly leaving you wanting more. The Echoes of the Eye expansion and a 4K/60fps update for Xbox Series X|S enhance this unforgettable experience.

24. Destiny 2

Image credit: Bungie

Developer: Bungie | Publisher: Bungie/Activision | Release Date: September 6, 2017 | Review: IGN's Destiny 2 review | Wiki: IGN's Destiny 2 Wiki

Destiny 2's compelling narrative unfolds through its seasonal model, weaving together story beats. Its inclusion in Game Pass expands its reach, offering players the chance to battle darkness with Stasis and wield cool guns. Expansions like The Final Shape continue to enrich the experience.

23. Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

Image credit: Ninja Theory

Developer: Ninja Theory | Publisher: Ninja Theory | Release Date: August 8, 2017 | Review: IGN's Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice review | Wiki: IGN's Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice Wiki

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice masterfully blends atmosphere, storytelling, and gameplay. Ninja Theory's dedication to Senua's story creates a vivid and harrowing experience, now optimized for Xbox Series X|S with performance exceeding high-end PCs. The sequel, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, is available on Xbox Series X|S and PC.

22. Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Image credit: SEGA

Developer: Ryu ga Gotoku Studios | Publisher: SEGA | Release Date: January 16, 2020 | Review: IGN's Yakuza: Like a Dragon review | Wiki: IGN's Yakuza: Like a Dragon Wiki

Yakuza: Like a Dragon revolutionizes the series with a new protagonist and a turn-based RPG combat system. Its hilarious side missions and engaging storyline, exploring themes of marginalization, elevate the absurdity of the Yakuza series. Sequels, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth and Like a Dragon: Pirate of the Caribbean, are also available.

21. Gears Tactics

Image credit: Microsoft

Developer: Splash Damage/The Coalition | Publisher: Microsoft | Release Date: April 28, 2020 | Review: IGN's Gears Tactics review | Wiki: IGN's Gears Tactics Wiki

Gears Tactics successfully transitions the Gears of War franchise into an XCOM-like turn-based strategy game. The classic Gears gameplay, including cover-based combat and executions, is seamlessly integrated into a strategic format, complemented by a compelling story and high-quality cutscenes.

20. No Man's Sky

Image credit: Hello Games

Developer: Hello Games | Publisher: Hello Games | Release Date: August 9, 2016 | Review: IGN's No Man's Sky review | Wiki: IGN's No Man's Sky Wiki

No Man's Sky's remarkable comeback story is a testament to Hello Games' dedication. Continuous updates have added features like Expeditions, improved space stations, and cross-platform bases, creating a beloved experience for players.

19. Elder Scrolls Online

Image credit: Bethesda Softworks

Developer: ZeniMax Online Studios | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: June 9, 2015 | Review: IGN's Elder Scrolls Online review | Wiki: IGN's Elder Scrolls Online Wiki

Elder Scrolls Online offers a compelling online RPG experience, enhanced by regular content updates and Xbox Series X optimization. Its availability on Xbox Game Pass makes it an accessible and enjoyable MMO.

18. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Image credit: EA

Developer: Respawn Entertainment | Publisher: EA | Release Date: November 15, 2019 | Review: IGN's Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order review | Wiki: IGN's Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Wiki

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order delivers superb gameplay and a memorable story, focusing on mastering combat with perfectly timed parries and force powers. The sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, is also available on Xbox One.

17. Titanfall 2

Image credit: EA

Developer: Respawn Entertainment | Publisher: EA | Release Date: October 28, 2016 | Review: IGN's Titanfall 2 review | Wiki: IGN's Titanfall 2 Wiki

Titanfall 2 surpasses its predecessor with an outstanding single-player campaign and enhanced multiplayer. Its innovative campaign design and variety make it a standout shooter.

16. Apex Legends

Image credit: EA

Developer: Respawn Entertainment | Publisher: EA | Release Date: February 3, 2019 | Review: IGN's Apex Legends review | Wiki: IGN's Apex Legends Wiki

Apex Legends' regular seasonal content updates, including new Legends, map changes, and weapons, keep the battle royale experience fresh and engaging.

15. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

Image credit: Konami

Developer: Kojima Productions/Konami | Publisher: Konami | Release Date: September 1, 2015 | Review: IGN’s Metal Gear Solid 5 review | Wiki: IGN's MGS 5 Wiki

Metal Gear Solid 5 offers a complex sandbox with a vast arsenal of weapons and AI companions. Stealth gameplay is rewarded, but the game allows for more aggressive approaches. Despite an incomplete story, it's a worthwhile adventure for open-world stealth fans.

14. Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Image credit: Microsoft

Developer: Moon Studios | Publisher: Microsoft | Release Date: March 11, 2020 | Review: IGN's Ori and the Will of the Wisps review | Wiki: IGN's Ori and the Will of the Wisps Wiki

Ori and the Will of the Wisps builds upon its predecessor with a livelier world, expanded moveset, and a poignant story. Its creative puzzles and soulful moments make it a standout platformer.

13. Forza Horizon 4

Image credit: Microsoft

Developer: Playground Games | Publisher: Microsoft | Release Date: October 2, 2018 | Review: IGN's Forza Horizon 4 review | Wiki: IGN's Forza Horizon 4 Wiki

Forza Horizon 4 is a critically acclaimed racing game, praised for its diverse car selection, dynamic seasons, and vibrant soundtrack. Its focus on fun and social interaction makes it a standout in the racing genre.

12. Gears 5

Image credit: Microsoft

Developer: The Coalition | Publisher: Microsoft | Release Date: September 10, 2019 | Review: IGN's Gears 5 review | Wiki: IGN's Gears 5 Wiki

Gears 5 delivers excellent third-person cover-based shooter gameplay with a heartfelt story and engaging multiplayer modes, including the new Escape mode.

11. Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Image credit: Microsoft

Developer: 343 Industries | Publisher: Microsoft | Release Date: November 11, 2014 | Review: IGN's Halo: The Master Chief Collection review | Wiki: IGN's Halo: The Master Chief Collection Wiki

This collection of six Halo games offers remastered campaigns and an updated multiplayer suite, providing the quintessential Halo experience.

10. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Image credit: Activision

Developer: FromSoftware | Publisher: Activision | Release Date: March 22, 2019 | Review: IGN's Sekiro: Shadows Die review | Wiki: IGN's Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Wiki

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice offers challenging yet rewarding combat, a unique setting, and a cryptic story, setting it apart from other FromSoftware titles.

9. Inside

Image credit: Playdead

Developer: Playdead | Publisher: Playdead | Release Date: June 29, 2016 | Review: IGN's Inside review | Wiki: IGN's Inside Wiki

Inside is a masterpiece of atmospheric puzzle-solving and impactful storytelling, leaving a lasting impression on players.

8. It Takes Two

Image credit: EA

Developer: Hazelight Studios | Publisher: EA | Release Date: March 26, 2021 | Review: IGN's It Takes Two review | Wiki: IGN's It Takes Two Wiki

It Takes Two offers a unique and engaging cooperative multiplayer experience with a charming story and whimsical visuals.

7. Control

Image credit: 505 Games

Developer: Remedy Entertainment | Publisher: 505 Games | Release Date: August 27, 2019 | Review: IGN's Control review | Wiki: IGN’s Control Wiki

Control excels in storytelling, character development, and gameplay, creating a captivating third-person action-adventure experience.

6. Hitman 3

Image credit: IO Interactive

Developer: IO Interactive | Publisher: IO Interactive | Release Date: January 20, 2021 | Review: IGN's Hitman 3 review | Wiki: IGN's Hitman 3 Wiki

Hitman 3 delivers breathtaking visuals and diverse gameplay, offering multiple approaches to eliminating targets.

5. Doom Eternal

Image credit: Bethesda Softworks

Developer: id Software | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: March 20, 2020 | Review: IGN's Doom Eternal review | Wiki: IGN's Doom Eternal Wiki

Doom Eternal provides an exhilarating first-person shooter experience with intense combat and a fast-paced gameplay loop.

4. Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Image credit: Ubisoft

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release Date: November 10, 2020 | Review: IGN's Assassin's Creed Valhalla review | Wiki: IGN's Assassin's Creed Valhalla Wiki

Assassin's Creed Valhalla offers a vast open world, engaging combat, and a compelling story set in the Norse age.

3. Red Dead Redemption 2

Image credit: Rockstar Games

Developer: Rockstar Games | Publisher: Rockstar Games | Release Date: October 26, 2018 | Review: IGN's Red Dead Redemption 2 review | Wiki: IGN’s Red Dead 2 Wiki

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a critically acclaimed open-world game, praised for its stunning visuals, rich story, and detailed world.

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Image credit: CD Projekt

Developer: CD Projekt Red | Publisher: CD Projekt | Release Date: May 19, 2015 | Review: IGN's The Witcher 3 review | Wiki: IGN's The Witcher 3 Wiki

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a massive RPG with a sprawling open world, engaging story, and impressive production values.

1. Grand Theft Auto 5 / GTA Online

Image credit: Rockstar Games

Developer: Rockstar Games | Publisher: Rockstar Games | Release Date: November 18, 2014 | Review: IGN's GTA 5 review | Wiki: IGN’s GTA 5 Wiki

Grand Theft Auto 5's massive and detailed open world, engaging single-player story, and extensive GTA Online multiplayer content make it the best Xbox One game.